Running in the ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching above the ceiling after dark. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local Oviedo rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Oviedo, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Oviedo homes and businesses, from the older streets near downtown Oviedo to newer subdivisions like Twin Rivers, Carillon and Live Oak Reserve. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5327 customer reviews
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Oviedo.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Oviedo
Why Oviedo Rats Stay Active Near the Econlockhatchee River
Oviedo sits along the Econlockhatchee River, which runs through the east and south parts of the city, with Lake Jesup to the north and Center Lake Park downtown. A humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters means rodents in Oviedo do not slow down for long.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Oviedo. They travel along oak limbs and power lines near the older streets by downtown Oviedo and the Nelson and Company Historic District, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps and tile roof edges. In newer subdivisions like Twin Rivers, Carillon and Chapman Groves, mature landscaping and screened lanais give roof rats the same kind of cover.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground and to water. We find them along Long Lake in Kingsbridge, near the Econlockhatchee River behind Live Oak Reserve and The Sanctuary, and around dumpsters and loading areas at Oviedo Mall, Oviedo on the Park and businesses along Alafaya Trail and State Road 434. House mice show up anywhere with a kitchen or pantry, from downtown Oviedo to Brighton Park.
Services available in Oviedo
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Oviedo
Most Oviedo jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlAttic and lanai rat removal for Oviedo homes, from downtown Oviedo to Twin Rivers and Carillon.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants at Oviedo Mall, Oviedo on the Park and along Alafaya Trail.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall or ceiling? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics and garages, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids and pets.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps and lanai frames with metal and mortar so rats cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalCareful cleanup of droppings with disinfectant, never sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread germs.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingDoor sweeps, vent screens, tile roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Oviedo homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Oviedo Home
Rodents move at night, so most Oviedo homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings in the garage or attic
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and irrigation lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Torn screens on the lanai
Rats and mice chew through screen enclosures to get to pet food, grills and storage on the porch.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and the attic hatch.
Pets acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at a wall, sniffing under appliances or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Oviedo Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Oviedo, Norway rats show up near Long Lake, the Econlockhatchee River, and dumpsters at Oviedo Mall, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, palm trees and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows near water, sheds, rubbish and lake or riverbanks
- Droppings
- About 3/4 inch, blunt ends
House Mouse
Mus musculus- Size
- About 1/2 ounce
- Tail
- About as long as its body
- Nests
- Inside walls, cabinets, appliances and furniture
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Oviedo starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Screened lanai frames and garage door seals
- Foundation and slab edges
- Oak trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or concrete. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you what to change to keep rodents out.
Health Risks From Rodents
The CDC links rats and mice to several diseases. People can get sick from contact with droppings, urine or saliva, from bites, or from breathing dust from contaminated areas.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. It can put germs in the air.
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can.
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During an Oviedo Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a home near downtown Oviedo and a 2010s subdivision home have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including older wood trim near downtown Oviedo
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges common on subdivision homes in Twin Rivers and Carillon
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak branches and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Screened lanai frames and pool cage gaps
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage on larger lots like Chapman Groves
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Burrows along Long Lake in Kingsbridge and the Econlockhatchee River near Live Oak Reserve and The Sanctuary
A rat can squeeze through a gap about 1/2 inch wide, and a mouse through about 1/4 inch.
Our process
How We Get Rats Out of Oviedo Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rats do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic and mark every entry point and sign of activity.
- 2
Seal
Openings are closed with metal flashing, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, mesh and mortar. We do not rely on foam.
- 3
Trap
Traps go on the paths rats use. We check them on return visits and remove what we catch.
- 4
Clean
Droppings and nests are removed and the area is disinfected. We tell you if insulation needs replacing.
- 5
Confirm
We come back until there are no new signs, then give you simple tips to keep it that way.
The number of visits depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents in the Home Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water near Lake Jesup and the Econlockhatchee River after heavy rain can be a concern.
Salmonellosis
Food and counters touched by rodents or their droppings can carry salmonella bacteria.
Rat-bite fever
Spread by bites or scratches, or by handling rodents. Always use gloves or tools, never bare hands.
Fleas and mites
Rodents carry fleas and mites that can move to pets and people after the rodents are gone.
Fire and water damage
Chewed wires can start fires, and chewed water or AC lines can cause leaks inside walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Oviedo Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Only older homes near downtown get rats
- Fact: Newer subdivisions like Twin Rivers and Carillon get them too. Rats come for shelter, water and cover, not just old construction.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: A cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics or wall voids and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic or near the water are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from nearby oaks, lanais and the river.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats near Long Lake or the Econlockhatchee River | Burrows are hard to find and close | Shoreline inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Oviedo
Rodent Control for Oviedo Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Oviedo
From older homes near downtown Oviedo to subdivisions like Twin Rivers, Carillon, Kingsbridge and Live Oak Reserve, each Oviedo home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, lanai, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.
Trapping inside the home
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from kids and pets.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- Historic downtown homes
- Waterfront and riverfront homes
- Block and tile subdivisions
- Rentals and townhomes
Commercial Rodent Control in Oviedo
Retail and restaurants at Oviedo Mall and Oviedo on the Park, and offices and shops along Alafaya Trail and State Road 434, deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Warehouses
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager or inspector.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at loading docks and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
How Oviedo homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Oviedo Home
Oviedo has homes from the early 1900s downtown to subdivisions built in the last 20 years. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes near downtown Oviedo
- Homes near the Nelson and Company Historic District have older wood trim and aging soffits
- Gaps in vent screens and attic hatches on older roofs
- Big oaks that touch the roof along the older streets
- Older detached garages and sheds with worn seals
Newer homes: block, stucco and tile
- Block-and-stucco homes in Twin Rivers, Carillon, Brighton Park and Chapman Groves
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Screened lanai and pool cage frames used as a way in
- Garage door corners on attached 2 and 3 car garages
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Oviedo, Area by Area
Oviedo has very different areas, from the historic downtown to subdivisions built along the Econlockhatchee River. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Downtown Oviedo and the Nelson and Company Historic District
Older buildings and mature oak canopy along the historic streets. We check rooflines and vent screens first.
Oviedo on the Park and Oviedo Mall
Retail and restaurant space along Alafaya Trail with shared dumpsters and loading areas. We set up scheduled commercial service here.
Kingsbridge and Long Lake
Waterfront homes on Long Lake. Norway rats burrow along the shoreline here.
Live Oak Reserve and The Sanctuary
Planned communities across the Econlockhatchee River. Rodents move in from the riverbank and wooded buffers.
Twin Rivers and Chapman Groves
Large subdivisions off Lockwood Road and Alafaya Trail. Tile roof edges and screened lanais are the usual entry points.
Carillon and Brighton Park, near UCF
Newer subdivisions close to the University of Central Florida and the Alafaya corridor. We check roofline and garage seals.
Oviedo through the year
How Oviedo Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Oviedo has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels near Lake Jesup and the Econlockhatchee River, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Ian in 2022 flooded the Little Econlockhatchee River and submerged streets in parts of Oviedo, and Hurricane Charley in 2004 caused what is considered the worst storm damage in Seminole County history. Flooding and wind damage push rats toward dry attics and open new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline and lanai screens.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Oviedo homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fall leaf and yard cleanup
Fallen leaves and acorns from mature oaks near downtown Oviedo and older subdivisions build up in the fall, giving rodents easy cover close to the house.
Tip: Rake and clear yard debris away from the foundation before winter.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Oviedo Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, lake and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen fruit and yard debris daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep the shoreline along Long Lake or the Econlockhatchee River clear of clutter
- Repair torn lanai and pool cage screens
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in the attic and garage, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Look in the attic every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Oviedo
Oviedo is not one kind of property. What we do at an older home near downtown is different from what we do at a lakefront home in Kingsbridge or a subdivision home in Twin Rivers.
Aging Rooflines and Oak Canopy
Homes near the Nelson and Company Historic District have older soffits, vent screens and roof trim, with mature oaks that give rats an easy path to the roof.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic vents, seal gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Long Lake and the Econlockhatchee River
Homes on Long Lake and along the Econlockhatchee River deal with Norway rats burrowing near the shoreline and moving up into garages and sheds.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and foundation, seal ground-level entry points, and trap where activity is highest near the water.
Tile Roof Edges and Lanai Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through tile roof edges, AC line openings and torn lanai screens.
Our approach: We check the roofline and lanai first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Oviedo response zone
Oviedo service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Oviedo has 3 main ZIP codes. We cover the whole city and the surrounding Seminole County area. Call if you do not see yours.
327623276532766
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Oviedo · Twin Rivers · Kingsbridge · Carillon · Brighton Park · Live Oak Reserve · The Sanctuary · Chapman Groves · Aloma Woods
Reviews from Oviedo customers
Customer Reviews from Oviedo
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Oviedo home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Oviedo, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled my rodent issue quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.Oviedo, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for my rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.Oviedo, FL
Verified Oviedo rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Oviedo Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most homes need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Norway rats burrow near water and use shoreline vegetation as cover. Homes in Kingsbridge, Live Oak Reserve and The Sanctuary sit close to Long Lake or the Econlockhatchee River, which gives rats an easy path from the water to the yard.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell. Trapping indoors and sealing the openings works better.
Rats are usually active at night, while squirrels are active in the daytime. Rat droppings are about 1/2 inch long. If you are not sure, an inspection will tell us which animal it is.
In 2022, Hurricane Ian flooded the Little Econlockhatchee River and left some Oviedo streets submerged. Flooding like that pushes rodents out of low ground and toward homes, and wind damage can open new gaps in soffits and roofs. If your home had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline checked.
The CDC advises not to sweep or vacuum droppings. Air out the area, wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak for 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels. For attics or large amounts, call us.
Pest control businesses in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can look up a license on the FDACS website before you hire anyone.
Yes. We also serve Winter Springs, Casselberry, Winter Park and Sanford. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Oviedo
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Oviedo
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Oviedo dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Oviedo Home or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Oviedo service
Give us a call. We’ll handle the next step.
Call us, tell us what you are seeing and where you are located, and our team will confirm the right appointment type and timing.
Serving OviedoOviedo, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
